A fine arts fair, created by cultural development firm GANGGANG, will showcase more than 50 artists and 10 performers who get to keep 100% of their profits. The goal is to uplift Black artists and “elevate the narrative around art,” said GANGGANG co-founder Mali Jeffers.
Unlike other fairs, artists don’t have to pay a fee to showcase their art in BUTTER 2. The goal is to uplift Black artists with economic viability and exposure and “introduce equity in all forms,” co-founder Alan Bacon said.
BUTTER 2 will run from Sept. 1-4, starting with a preview night along the south side of the Stutz Factory, 1060 N. Capitol Ave. The fair will include pieces from local and national artists such as April Bey, Kiah Celeste, Julian Jamaal Jones and Will Watson, as well as performances from entertainers such as Dorian Phelps, 81355, Deckademics and DJ Grapevine. There will also be a multi-sensory dance party Sept. 3.
“We wanted BUTTER to be the Black Basel of the Midwest,” Jeffers said. “And we can see a path. So it’s very exciting, but there’s a lot of pressure.”
The art fair is still in its infancy, and the co-founders jokingly call it their child.
“There’s a buzz about BUTTER, not just from a local scene, but from a national scene,” Jeffers said. “We’ve been able to find a sweet spot when it comes to creativity. And just imagine that with equity and having this strong message behind why BUTTER exists.”
The support from corporate sponsors and the love from local artists is a testament to their impact in Indianapolis, Jeffers said. Seventy-five percent of the artists in BUTTER 2 will be from Indiana.
“People are risking partnership with BUTTER because of their trust in GANGGANG,” Jeffers said.
BUTTER is a place for artists to feel respected and proud of their work. Bacon said they want to make sure equity is embedded in the entire experience of BUTTER, not just for the artists, but for the people attending, too.
“You can be yourself here,” Bacon said. “That was a very prominent voice and narrative of BUTTER 1; it welcomes a very inclusive environment. And that’s intentional.”
In the first iteration of BUTTER, Bacon and Jeffers anticipated about 1,000 attendees, but more than 3,400 adult tickets were sold. Each year the goal is to make BUTTER bigger and better, they said.
“It’s a blessing to get to do this work at the end of the day,” Bacon said. “We’re pleased and happy and excited to present another BUTTER to Indianapolis. Our gift to our city.”
BUTTER 2
When: Sept. 1-4
Where: Stutz Factory, 1060 N. Capitol Ave.
Price: $35- $175. Tickets to BUTTER 2 can be purchased at https://butterartfair.com/
Sept. 1: Preview Night, 4-7 p.m.
Sept. 2: Opening Day and Night, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
Sept. 3: 11 a.m.-10 p.m., plus MELT from 9 p.m.-midnight
Sept. 4: 11 a.m.-6 p.m., plus Testimony Service at 2 p.m
Contact staff writer Jayden Kennett 317-762-7847 or by email jaydenk@indyrecorder.com. Follow her on Twitter @JournoJay.
